Tag Archives: Pumi breeder NY

Show Time!

June 27, 2018

One of Anka’s three written evaluations. It is nice to have them. It can be helpful for exhibitors.

The future generation of Hungarian handlers, Virak Mester and Marko Tuncsik

Up and coming young Hungarian handlers, Virag Mester and Marko Tuncsik. Pro-handlers give a big boost to the Hungarian conformation show scene.

Marko Tuncsik Junior Handler with Anka right after the junior handler show. They earned second place.

Marko Tuncsik Junior Handler with Anka after the junior handler show. They earned second place.

During last weekend, I have entered Anka at the HPK (Hungarian Pumi Klub) and Budapest Grand Prix shows in Budapest. Originally, I signed up Agyag to finish her Hungarian Championship, however, because of the change of airline, I could fly only one dog and I’ve ended up choosing Anka because of her scheduled breeding. Consequently, I scratched Agyag and showed Anka instead.

One of my favorite photos of Anka

The shows have also given me a chance to eyeball a limited cross section of the Hungarian Pumi stock again during these turbulent days when European Pumis conquering America.

My scope was limited because of the long time ongoing schism… – PU…MI – between Hungarian Pumi breeders. (For beginners, the two major opposing groups do not show at each other’s shows -with a few exceptions… (the two percent…) and a number of breeders, who are opposing the official Pumi Club, rather break the law and register their Hungarian born dogs in foreign countries than join the Hungarian Kennel Club and Hungarian Pumi Club’s data base. – crazy isn’t it…?

So when you buy a Pumi from Hungary with a NON-Hungarian pedigree (!), watch out, because AKC might do not register your imported dog and you are supporting some crazy illegal Pumi activities.

Anyway…

After all, my Anka did well and has been complimented by both, the natives and the judges too. She’s got Res.CAC Excellent, CAC Excellent 1, and Res.CACIB Excellent. All three of her written evaluations are glowing and I cannot be happier.

Anka and Marko second place at the Junior Handler show, Budapest Grand Prix

Overall, the quality of dog shows in Hungary are slowly getting better. Most importantly, the dogs’ grooming is improving, however, showmanship still needs a bit more push. Exhibitors also pay more attention to their ring attire, that is already a positive commitment. The number of pro-handlers have been steadily increasing and that certainly has a positive impact on the quality of dog shows. The venue, “HUNGEXPO,” the international Budapest Fair Center also makes people to take dog shows a bit more seriously.

The quality of judging could be a bit more formal (based on my experience) and less partisan (as I have overheard people talking…), however, the judges’ knowledge of the Pumi is certainly outstanding.

Another graceful Anka photo. Remember, NECK NECK NECK…(read the standard..)

I have met about 52%…(?!) of the “Who is Who on the Hungarian Pumi Scene.” People have been nice, open, and curious about the state of the Pumi in the US.

Grooming Queen, Tunde Baloghne Jovanovics also visited the show. She has panned each dog with her laser piercing critical eyes in the grooming area, than has given some pointers to people and the quality of Pumis suddenly increased in no time.

Overall, it was a nice show and I hope to be back sometimes soon.

Anka and Marko with a lavender background. Love my girl!

Mark Walley with Ilka the star of the weekend. Congratulations to Gabriella Kassai, Mark Walley (owners) and Kate Pinches and Budd (Breeders) :-)

Mark Walley the lone British (soon English or potentially Northumbrian – thanks to Brexit F.C.) soccer fan with Ilka, the star of the Budapest Grand Prix weekend. CONGRATULATIONS! Mark doesn’t know that he is lucky, because if he decides to prepare for the Hungarian citizenship test, two of the questions coincide in Hungarian and English history; November 25, 1953 and May 23, 1954. I’ve heard somewhere that these two dates are automatically tattooed on every new born English baby boys’ butt in English hospitals to never forget… or… always remember…? it is cheeky…

Ilka and Gabriella in the ring. Congratulations for the outstanding performance at the Budapest Grand Prix.

with Pumi grooming legend/guru/expert/authority, Tunde, Balogne Jancsovics. The debate is still out there, what was first the Pumi or its grooming by Tunde. She has taught me all the shop secrets...

…with Pumi grooming legend/guru/expert/authority, Tunde, Balogne Jancsovics. The debate is still out there, what was first the Pumi or its grooming instruction by Tunde. She has taught me all the shop secrets (almost…) over the years

Julia Szurdoki, one of my mentors, and main sources of "Everything Pumi One by One."

Julia Szurdok, one of my super mentors, and owner/creator of one of the most extensive collection of written private records on the breed “Everything Pumi One by One…” So…watch out.

Mobile Vendor at the Budapest Grand Prix

With Piroska Nagy and her Pumi Gomolya. He was BOB Friday at the HPK club show. Congratulations!

With Piroska Nagy and her Pumi Gomolya. Gomolya was BOB Friday at the HPK club show. Congratulations!

The Schengen Terrier….

June 20, 2018

A composite picture of the elusive Schengen Terrier…No one has ever really seen it and no one has ever cleaned up after him…

I have a bad news for U.S. puppy millers, there is no such a breed as the Schengen Terrier on the AKC’s FSS list. Also, the Schengen Terrier is not an umbrella term for liberal European dog laws allowing dogs pretty much do anything on the continent.

Countries covered by the Schengen Agreement

Well, yes, it is true, dog laws are pretty relaxed across the pond, comparing to the United States. Some of the crazy stories what you’ve heard that pooches are allowed in restaurants, on public transportation and beaches are partially also true, however, they are controlled by no-nonsense animal laws.

So than what is this Schengen thing anyway? Actually, it has nothing to do with dogs, however, by now, I think you are curious enough to read about it. http://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/european-union-schengen-area-and-re-introduction-of-border-controls/

The point is that the Schengen Agreement is like an European dog law. It spells out where you and your dog are permitted to go under the laws of the Union, however, it might be too generous and generates more mess than expected…

It is really upto the store owner what pet is allowed in the store or restaurant.

So I am back at the original crime scene with Anka for over a week now. Have checked in with some friends and family, visited government offices and other public places always taking Anka along.

Anka in the restaurant. Evidently she is covered under the Schengen Terrier Agreement

Did you know that…

…in Hungary, a three months old pup needs to be registered whithin its local jurisdiction? Vets have to report each dog’s microchip and vaccinations to a central national database. TO complicate matters however, local governments can have their own additional “dog laws.”

Dogs are allowed free in back yards, only, if it is fenced in.

Dogs must be leashed in public, dogs cannot enter to play grounds, untrained and vicious dogs must be muzzled in public.

Doggy Esperanto

Dogs can run free in designated areas, however, untrained, vicious dogs must have their muzzle kept on while off leash.

Every dogs must be leashed and muzzled(!) on public transportations. (They can take public transportation)

Dogs cannot bother neighbors, (good luck with your Pumi that is kept outside) and one’s property must be fenced in if dogs kept outside. Small dogs have to have a minimum 10m2 area and no shorter than 6 meters long chain and a dog house. Larger dogs have to be kept within a minimum 15m2 area. with no shorter than an 8 meters long chain and a dry shelter.

If one owns a “mean breed,” a clearly visible sign must be posted at the entrance of the property that there are guard dogs on the premises.

To recover lost dogs from shelters, the owners must present proof of vaccinations and microchip. Dogs are allowed to put down by law if no one claims or adopts them after two weeks.

Breeders need the local major’s office permission to start a kennel.

Sandboxes at playgrounds are regularly checked for toxicity... One of the most frequent complaint is dog poop in the sand box

Sandboxes at playgrounds are regularly checked for toxicity… According to official surveys, one of the most frequent complaints is dog poop in sand boxes.

Dogs are strictly prohibited to enter… schools, daycare centers, social and cultural facilities, government offices that are open for the public (e.g. DMV)

In the same time, dogs cannot be tied up outside (in front of stores, government offices etc. (while the owner takes care of business) without supervision.

If you are planning to buy a coop in Hungary, the good news is that the coop board cannot oppose keeping dogs in your apartment.

…and do not forget to pick up after your dog!

Penalties: No registration 165 Euro, no leash 35 Euro Your dog kills another dog and you are a no show at the court, your penalty is 350 Euro. Beyond that, no-one really cares and you cannot be jailed.

Why do I bother to tell you all about these things? Because I’ve been visiting a bunch of government offices, banks and other public places in Budapest and I’ve been taking Anka along. The good thing is that no one really cares about pet laws and restriction as long as you have such a cute and well behaving dog as Anka.

farm dog visiting big city dwelling…

I’ve also taken her to stores and restaurants, (where she was even fed,) The waiters and clerks at all locations have given in to the “Anka Pressure” and let her to come in. Of course, Anka’s behavior has always been exemplary at any establishments.

After we’ve finished all the official stuff I had to take care of, we’ve had some serious dog fun in the City. We also had some quiet… agility time at the “Pilisi Kutya Iskola” training facility. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yswtxyX8kl0

To be continued…

What a small world. It was funny to read about St Elisabeth, a Hungarian Saint. I was commissioned to build a mural for the Chicago St Elisabeth Church back in the early 1990's

Went to see an outdoor exhibition in Budapest. What a small world… It was funny to read about St Elisabeth, the Hungarian Saint. I was commissioned to build a ceramics mural for the Chicago St Elisabeth Church back in 1991

It can happen only in America…a Hungarian ethnic German former Catholic nun’s daughter originally from Transylvania is commissioned to design and build an exterior mural for a black Catholic church in Chicago, named after a Hungarian Saint, Saint Elizabeth

Fun with the dogs...went for a hike to the popular "Harmashaterhegy" hiking area on the outskirt of Budapest. It is actually part of Budapest with Metro Area transportation to and from the City

Fun with the dogs…went for a hike to the popular “Harmashaterhegy” hiking area on the outskirt of Budapest. It is actually part of Budapest’s 2nd and 3rd district with Metro Area transportation to and from the City

The mobile and police communication tower at "Harmashatar-hegy"

The major transmission tower for mobile carriers and police communication at “Harmashatar-hegy”

Cannot remember the leash laws…

Andrea teaching geology and rock formation to the dogs.

Andrea teaches geology and rock formation to the dogs.

"Harmashater-hegy is home of the "glider plane's airport for many decades

“Harmashater-hegy is home of the “glider plane’s airport for 50-60 years

the popular cogwheel train taking tourists and their dogs up to the popular hiking area, the “Harmashatar Hegy.”

Andrea Csilla Szabo and her dog Sio at the “Pilisi Kutya Iskola”

CCCC or the Catskill Climate Change Chronicle…

June 13, 2018

Bad planning or bad execution?

Man plans, God executes … (or corrects what man keeps screwing up…) I am back in Hungary again, at this time with Anka. Even though, this trip has been planned in advance, our departure date has been seriously circumvented by climate change. As it turns out, climate change manifests not only in rising sea levels, more frequent and more intense weather events or dying coral reefs, it also effects my dogs’ physiology. To be precise, my bitches’ heat cycle have turned on like clock work in the past, however, this year, because of the unusual long winter (I believe…), everyone has been late.

When the tension is high enough, we are ready to travel,

Ironically, it was a relief to see the sudden growing tension between my girls, as their hormones finally started kicking in. It was the long awaited signal to set preparations in motion for my trip. Veterinary certificate, USDA papers and most importantly the airplane ticket with two dogs in the cargo hold. ( FYI I also planned to take Agyag along to give her a chance to finish her Hungarian Championship at the Budapest Grand Prix.)

Well, instead of " yes," I've got a middle finger from Luftwaffe - the second time...

Well, instead of saying ” yes,” and correcting the botched booking, I’ve got a middle finger from Luftwaffe – the second time…

I am not lucky with Lufthansa – to say the least. Back in 2013, Lufthansa have lost Fruska and Agyag for close to a full day that has created some major complications to reach the Budapest WDS, my destination at the time. Booking my ticket and two dogs in the cargo hold with the airline, has seemed unusually easy at this time. Once ticket purchase was out of the way (or so I thought), based on my flight schedule, I went ahead to plan my entire itinerary. However, as it has turned out, Luftwaffe not only friendly fired my plans and screwed up my ticket with the two dogs in the busiest traveling season, they also refused to honor my original reservation.

Since my trip has been time sensitive, I had no time to run after my loss. I had to look for a another airline that could accommodate two dogs and flew me to Hungary for a reasonable price. While I’ve managed to secure a ticket, unfortunately, they could accommodate only one dog. Obviously I took Anka.

My least favorite Hungarian traffic sign

So we made it to Budapest where I am staying with my sister and planning to see many friends and acquaintances while managing Anka’s dating schedule.

To be continued…

Fear and Loathing in Pécs, Hungary

March 13, 2016

The flag of Pé with the coat of arm of the city. it says, Seal of the Free Royal City of Fivechurch" granted by Maria Theresa (i thin

The flag of Pécs with the coat of arm of the city. It says,
“Seal of the Free Royal City of Fivechurch” granted by Maria Theresa (i think in the center MT stands for her)

Studio detail of Marta Csille where I planned to have two days of felting workshop.

Work station at Martha Csille’s felting studio

The county building. Pecs is also the county seat of Baranya County

Barely back to Budapest from Graz, Austria on Monday and by early Thursday morning we hit the road again to the south, to the City of Pecs. First we stopped in a small town, Egerág, at the studio of Marta Csille Hungarian felt artist, for a two day workshop to learn more about the tricks of the trade and enhance my felting toolbox. I felt tired and a bit sick, I thought because of the crazy weather, lots of traveling, and lack of sleep. By mid day, I had high fever, serious sinus pain and major headache. Things did not go well. I finished the day early, got some cough and headache medicine that somehow got mixed with some palinka (Hungarian distilled spirit) and went to sleep. Since I did not improve overnight, I got some antibiotics next day. I cancelled my second day of workshop and took an early and a pretty drowsy drive to Pecs, to the weekend FCI dog show. I could not wait to arrive. I crashed at the duplex that I rented in the middle of town and tried to get some rest.

empty street with one of the perfectly preserved petrified body of one of the victims of the massive volcanic eruption.

empty street with one of the perfectly preserved petrified body by the massive volcanic eruption. He never got to finish his coffee.

Even though, my condition improved somewhat by Saturday morning, I was still heavily under the effect of the unfortunate mixing of medicines and alcohol from last night. First thing, I took the dogs for a big walk in the city center of Pécs, while holding my swollen running nose and barely balancing my 100lbs head on my neck.

The streets were dead empty not a single soul in sight. It seemed strange.

the empty Szécheny Square, where is everyone?

Location Location Location…Hungary might have been the real estate dream market throughout history, however, it must have been the nightmare for insurance companies for close to two thousand years. No wonder why. Hungary has been a virtual crossroad between east, west and south where different cultures have clashed for hundreds of years. They thrived, prospered than disappeared overnight, giving space for the next weave of invaders, Romans, Avars, Celts, Mongols, Ottomans and others who fought over religion, land and resources.

The ghostly street sweeper and the Pumis

Pécs’s history go back to the ancient Romans. The City was established in the 2nd century and was named Sopianae. Excavation have unearthed Celtic burial sites and a Christian Necropolis. By the first millennium Pecs, like other parts of the country was under the control of the first Christian Hungarian King, Stephen I. As the nation accepted its new religious faith, the semi nomadic tribal military culture gradually faded into extinction and the ruling feudal system has risen from the blood and tears of the past.

The holy Trinity statue erected in 1714 to commemorate the escape from the plague, the Black Death. There are the plague saints on the bottom, and above the father, the son and the holy spirit – do not mix it with your medicine (I mean the holy spirit).

Medieval Pecs was built from the remains of five christian chapels and Sopianae was renamed “Five Churches.” Its new name was used in all of the languages of the area. The name has been reduced to Pecs over the next 1200 years. The city has become a major cultural center. By 1367, Pécs has opened the doors of the first university in Hungary. Next, the expanding Ottoman Empire has left its impact on the region and the whole country for 150 years…and I kept walking with the dogs in the empty city streets…

Pumis and of Janos Hunyadi the Overlord of Transylvania on horseback. I wonder what was he doing here...

No signs of life except the Pumis and Janos Hunyadi the Overlord of Transylvania on horseback. I wonder what was he doing here…

The dramatic eruption of the nearby volcano of Mt. Mecsek destroyed the city of Pécs, killing all and burying the city under 20 ft of volcanic ash. For several hundreds of years the buildings, objects and the bodies that lay beneath the ash cover have been untouched and perfectly preserved because of the lack of air and moisture. When the excavation uncovered the hermetically sealed site, plaster fillings were injected in the voids of the ash layers that held human bodies. It allowed to see the body positions of the people, as they died. The city has remained an empty haunted place, virtually an archeological site ever since.

First floor of the duplex that I rented in Pecs. It served more as a hospital.

the Pumis got comfy while I was chatting with Timothy Leary

The Mosque Pasha Quasim converted into a catholic church in 1702. The largest Turkish building in Hungary

The Mosque of Pasha Quasim converted into a catholic church in 1702. It is the largest Turkish building in Hungary

As I walked on the empty streets with the two dogs, the rhythmic clacking noise made by the impact of the dogs’ nails with the cobble stones pavement, echoed from the thick walls of the empty buildings. My brain was pulsing, my vision was blurry and my body still exhausted from the fever when finally the fresh air and the warm rays of the morning sun slowly started clearing my druggy head. I felt hungry and my brain craved for coffeine. I walked into a patisserie and I bough a croissant and a large cappuccino.

When two Pumis occupy an empty city.

After a few sips of coffee, I went into panic mode as I realized that holly @*#%…! I was mixing up the history of Pécs, Hungary and Pompeii, Italy. But something still did not add up, where did all the people disappear from the city…? “Why are the streets empty?” I asked the barista.

“There is a dog show in town and they all went to see some wonder dog from New York, I think a Pumi…,” she answered.

p.s. Agyag did fantastic both days. She got BOS, CACIB, CAC and Excellent 1 Saturday and Sunday too.

Kaffogo Agyag BOS, CACIB, CAC, Excellent 1 both days. the mystery has also been resolved. Yes, indeed, the good citizens of Pécs all came to see the American wonder Pumi at the dog show just look at the seats behind me.

Kaffogo Agyag BOS, CACIB, CAC, Excellent 1 both days. the mystery has also been resolved. Yes, indeed, the good citizens of Pécs abandoned their city and all came to see the American wonder Pumi, Kaffogo Agyag at the dog show. Do not believe me? Just look at the seats behind me.

the proof of that we were there and the rest was a nightmare.

the proof of that we were there and the rest was a bad dream.

I am sinus free and back safe and sound in Budapest again.

on the way back to Budapest. Double vision? oh not again…

there is light at the end of the tunnel. Huhh…

Last Week Tonight

February 22, 2016

The FeHoVa dog show hall

It’s been seven busy days in Budapest with the girls, Fruska and Agyag. In this short time, I’ve managed to squeeze in a family reunion, a four day international dog show, some city hopping/shopping and a three-day long un amour de chien. By the way, Kaffogo Agyag justified her amorous attitude with a quote from the famous romantic poet, Ashley Madison, a contemporary of Jane

Austen NOT…, “Life is Short, Have an Affair…”

Ashley Madison, – stories of discretion

Jayne Austen – stories of indiscretion

Meeting my family is always a passionate affair…

Meeting my family is always a passionate gathering and my sister’s high-rise flat seemed a bit tight at times…

Starting on Thursday, February 18, we’ve participated the FeHoVa International Dog Show at HUNGEXPO, the Budapest fairground. Five shows in four days. Dog shows are a different kind of animal in Europe than in the U.S. One is better to cancel any other plans on a dog show day (the day really goes to the dogs.) The organizers certainly give you all the time for your entry fees.

Agyag’s result less one CACIB

I was glad that I entered Kaffogo Agyag to the shows. I had a chance to get a partial inside look at the Hungarian Pumi field. Partial, because, unfortunately, there has been a major schism between the Hungarian Pumi aficionados. There are breeders and dog owners who are members of the official Magyar Pumi Klub (Hungarian Pumi Club) and than there are the “others” who refuses to recognize the official Club. If you thought that the partisanship in the U.S. Congress is serious than you ain’t see nothing. It is a sad state of affairs, because there are good breeders and great minds on both sides. Members of the opposition, with a few exception, do not enter to dog shows organized by or associated with the official Club and vice versa. As a result, I had a chance to see approximately 70% of the Pumis of those who tend to participate at dog shows and a handful of foreign breeders.

The tram in front of Eifel’s Budapest West Railway Terminal than…

…and now

Since the 2013 Budapest World Dog Show, I’ve noticed some changes. Some Hungarian breeders/handlers started following the Nordic countries and have been experimenting with a more dramatic grooming than what we used to see earlier. Shorter hair and sculpting becoming a more frequent appearance. Interestingly, even some of the judges seemed to prefer the more sculpted Pumi look. In fact, I’ve heard some judges suggesting to some handlers whose dogs entered the ring with a more natural coat that they should groom their dogs better. I am hesitant to go either way, however, one of the disadvantages that I can see is that much shorter cuts will reduce the importance of the quality of the Pumi coat because it simply won’t be possible to check it. Attitudes and customs have been changing. One thing however, most handlers seems to be resistant to is, wearing former attire in the ring.

Gray has become the dominant Pumi color. Fawn, unless it is white or off white looking, appears to suffer some set backs. I had a chance to talk to some of the foreign participants and it sounds that they’ve experienced similar tendencies in their countries too.

The Teddy Bear Syndrome: I had an interesting discussion with some breeders and “off duty” judges about the increased number of Pumis on the smaller end with softer denser hair with more curvy angles than one would think of the Pumi after reading the breed standard. They are certainly cute and huggable, however, they are missing the size and stamina necessary for the breed’s original function, herding. I’ve noticed this trend the past few years in the northic countries and now in Hungary too. Some voices have also raised concerns about this issue in the U.S. too.

in front of the beautifully restored Central Market Hall

The update on Friday’s story is that I filed a formal complaint with the MEOESZ, the Hungarian Kennel Klub, about Judge Istvan Laszlo’s action of withholding the CACIB certificate from Agyag, because she was in “heat.”

the market indoor

According to FCI rules, the judge’s decision is final an cannot be reversed. However, if the MEOESZ rules in my favor, the judge can get sanctioned or disciplined. I was surprised how much support I’ve got from people. Surprisingly, there were also some supporting opinions from the opposition Pumi camp.

the cholesterol department

fruits, veggies and the famous paprika

Even though the dog show has consumed most of my time and energy, I managed to have a nostalgia ride with my sister on the number 6 tram on the ring around the center of the City. The line is 8.3 km long has 19 stops in 29 minutes and it runs 24/7. The tran stops 225 times at each station during the day in both directions during the school year and 210 times when schools is out. The tran starts and ends on the Buda side of the city, however, rides the longest on the pest side.

Now that Agyag’s love affair and the dog show are over, I am ready to catch up with myself. I am starting my spin class in the nearby gym tomorrow.

ready for my tomorrow’s spin class

WTF…?! (World Trade Fenter…)

February 19, 2016

The four-day long FeHoVa International Winter Show has begun at HUNGEXPO, the Budapest International Exposition site yesterday. The show is becoming a rather peculiar event.

There have been 25 Pumis from 13 kennels and 4 countries yesterday. The judge was Mrs. Szabo, Katalin Ivanyi. Kaffogo Agyag placed second in her class with Excellent 2 and Res. CACIB. Well done Agyag!!

Excellent 2 Res. CACIB good job Agyag!

Before I start to tell today’s bizarre experience in the ring with judge Mr. Istvan Laszlo, Let me congratulate to Nyirsegfia Tuske/Pityke/ BOB and Heczendorfer Jozsef, his owner/handler.

To make the story short, I’ve noticed that Mr. Istvan, the judge, has made some not exactly complimentary statements about a fawn (fako) male Pumi to the dog’s owner in the ring earlier. He also asked the handler/owner of the same dog that who was the breeder of the dog. When later we walked into the ring, he also asked me whether Agyag’s breeder was the same person as the fawn Pumi dog’s earlier. I told him that no, my bitch comes from a different kennel.

Excellent 1 No CACIB… reason, Bitch in heat! I am pleased with the description but to deny a dog of CACIB and to advance further because she is in heat, that is kind of…

Judge Istvan overall complimented Agyag and gave her first place in the Class, “Excellent one, ” however, withheld the CACIB from Agyag by saying, “I cannot give her the CACIB because she is in heat….” (it is on her official written record) Mr. Istvan Laszlo also did not allow Agyag to advance and enter the ring for the BOB title, even though, she won her class.

I admit, I was unpleasantly surprised. I looked at him, and nonchalantly told him that, how funny this was because three years ago this was not an issue when he, Mr. Istvan Laszlo selected Agyag to be the first Junior Raisits Cup winner in a much larger competition and Agyag, was in heat just like today. He stared at me with wide eyes and open mouth, (I think his tonsils have been removed..)and after a short pause he composed himself again and said, “yes, but she was close to finishing it back than…”

Nyirsegfia Tuske BOB today,

Since we did not have to show again, thanks to the judge, it gave me plenty of time to check the FCI rule book. I copied out the relevant sections for our situation. below is the direct copy of those sections.

4 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS / ADMISSION OF DOGS

…Bitches on heat are allowed to participate subject to the show regulations of the organisers.

7 TITLES, AWARDS AND MAIN RING COMPETITIONS

…CACIB – Certificat d’Aptitude au Championnat International de Beauté de la FCI

The only dogs which can be taken into consideration for the CACIB are those which have been awarded “EXCELLENT 1st”. A CACIB can only be awarded if the dog in question has been assessed as being of superior quality. The CACIB is not automatically and compulsorily linked to the “EXCELLENT 1st”.

So yes, indeed, he has the right to withhold the CACIB, even though, the dog got Excellent 1 and won her class. The rule book does not give examples of reasons why the judge might withheld the International Certificate. The unfortunate part is that he also withheld the Res. CACIB from Annika Linden’s dog, Akkinaz Rams who got Excellent 2 and second place. He won our class and also BOS yesterday.

To be clear, I am not questioning the fact that Mr. Istvan withheld the CACIB because he has the right to do that. What I do not understand is, his reasoning, that “the dog was in heat.” He did not say and wrote that she was not a “superior quality” for the following reasons…(and listing the reasons.) He said that the bitch was in heat and that’s why she cannot get CACIB and go for the BOB. The rule book clearly says that “…Bitches on heat are allowed to participate subject to the show regulations of the organizers “ based on the information at the time when I checked, there was no stipulations by the organizers that while bitches in heat can enter the conformation show, they cannot earn CACIB and advance for the BOB title (because they are in heat.) I am not sure that when a bitch is in heat what that has to do with her conformation. (I think it is safe to say Mr. Istvan Laszlo would not vote for Hillary Clinton for the same reason… but that one is for another blog…)

This story might finally makes me one of the “official” whiners and complainers of the Pumi breed, (now internationally too,) but you know what, someone has to stand up and ask the uncomfortable questions for the integrity of the “game” while the rest of the group hide quietly in the bushes. By the way, those in the bushes, watch out for dog poops.

Murphy’s Law

December 15, 2015

Catskill Badger and Laszlo in the ring

What a week we’ve had during The Eukanuba National in Orlando Florida. The Catskill Pumis and their close cohort, Kaffogo Agyag have entered five shows and collected three BOB, one BOS, five BBE, five Best 6-9 months old Puppy Dog, three Best 6-9 months old Puppy bitch titles and several additional placements. Yay…!

Ildiko and Catskill Csinszka sharming the judge and spectators

Ildiko and Catskill Csinszka charming the judge and spectators

We’ve been coming to show in conformation to The Eukanuba National for four years. This year we had the largest Catskill Pumi turnout, with seven Pumis and we are proud of them all, especially the three pups from our C-litter, Csobanka, Csinszka and Csoma aka Badger. By the time the Pumi enters the herding group next July, they will be the sharks of the conformation ring.

What has changed for the Pumi at Eukanuba over the years? Honestly, not too much. Inconsistent judging is still one of the most disturbing aspects of showing the Pumi in the US.

What has changed for the Pumi at Eukanuba over the years? Honestly not too much. Still inconsistent, sometimes substandard judging (I am simply puzzled why a judge need to ask the handler at the table, “how is the correct tail setting…?”) This is not to take away anything from the winners’ achievements, however, after ten years it is obvious that judges have lots more to learn about the Pumi.

Another thing I noticed that some handlers kept initiating chit-chats with the judge while stacking their dogs on the table. I could never figure it out for what reason? I wonder whether they have had an ulterior motive…? Also, there have been some friendly fires in the ring (what happened to sportsmanship…?) and of course the usual ringside tackling.

Standing tall... Aida Dungan and in the Miscellaneous group during The Eukanuba National.

Standing tall… Aida Dungan and Pushkin in the Miscellaneous group during The Eukanuba National.

After ten years of Pumi history, in the United States, I am still not sure why dogs with obvious disqualifying conformation need to be shown. Trust me, I love them all equally, but some just do not qualify for the conformation ring. In my opinion, it reflects bad on the breed and all breeders. If you remember my blogs from Finland two years ago, I noted that reputable Finnish breeders would rather not show if they do not have show quality dogs to enter.

Each dog showing at The Eukanuba National deserves its “fifteen minutes” to get a full and fair judging.

The judging during the actual Eukanuba National, I think, was quite disrespectful to all Pumi exhibitors in the Miscellaneous Breed’s ring on Sunday. The judge, Mr. Murphy, showed up 45(!) minutes late and then sorted through the breed in seconds without properly examining the dogs. He did not allow time for stacking the dogs on the table and did not look most dogs’ structure, barely the bites. He did not let the dogs show in full circle and on the diagonal in the ring in order to catch up with the time. (Even if he has the right to do that according to the rule book, hey this was The Eukanuba National where each dog who showed up there deserves its “fifteen minutes” to have a fair chance to be fully examined and judged.) Another annoying surprise and significant delay was that in the “Open Bitch Class” where there were only two bitches in the judge’s book out of the five entered the show. It took additional long minutes to sort out the entry list.

Huhh… no comment

The highlight of the chaotic judging was, when entering the ring for the 6-9 months Puppy Bitch Class, the judge walked up to me during the first going around before even reaching to the table to stack Csinszka(!) and declared her as the winner of the 6-9 months old “Puppy Dog” Class.… (!?!?!) He looked quite confused when I told him that this was the 6-9 months Puppy Bitch NOT Puppy Dog Class. He did not care too much, simply brushed it off saying, “I guess I am a bit confused…” I wonder what the other handler felt behind me in the ring. Those of you who missed it, Mr Murphy was also the center of discussion last year on FaceBook when judging the Pumi at one of the open shows here at The Eukanuba National.

But enough of the drama and congratulations to last day’s winners, Aida Dungan with Pushkin, BOB and Ginger Butler with Lyric BOS!

The week went fast and I think we did not realize how much we worked to groom the dogs for the shows and properly exercise them daily at Cocoa Beach and Lake Baldwin Park to pull through the week. We also visited our Orlando Florida Pumi, Catskill Csaszar aka “ZEKE” and his family.

Visiting Catskill CSaszar aka Zeke and his family the Larkins in Orlando Florida, if you believe in reincarnation this is to place be a dog in your next life.

Visiting Catskill CSaszar aka Zeke and his family the Larkins in Orlando Florida. If you believe in reincarnation this is the place to be a Pumi in your next life.

We rigorously exercised the dogs to maintain their daily routine after each show. What did you do with your dog?

Our weeklong nightly culinary adventure has also been a wild ride. Korean food scored the lowest on Tuesday. It was extremely hot (spicy) and relatively tasteless food, we had a long wait at the table and an awful waiter. Dining at the“Outback” on Wednesday, was a great testament to everything that is wrong with chain restaurants. I was also disappointed with the Turkish restaurant when comparing it to other Turkish places from the past. Even though the veranda of the restaurant was cozy, some smokers certainly “smoked” our experience. The Thai and Indian dinners were our default cuisines Friday and Saturday. Our “last supper” with almost all Pumi people present was a final and long awaited big bang at the cozy Cafe TuTu Tango. We got together to celebrate Marylin Funke’s birthday and the closing of Eukanuba week in Orlando. We got great food, great atmosphere and fast and pleasant servers. TuTu Tango was simply a nice hip restaurant with music and art works by new and emerging artists.

Egysegben az ero (you have to figure this out by yourself...)

“Egysegben az era” (you have to figure this out by yourself…)

Over the week, we have tightened our friendship with Marilyn Funke, owner of Catskill Csobanka, who has shown Kaffogo Agyag and won BOB at the KCUSA Open show on Friday. She also showed Catskill Csinszka on two occasions and she was also very helpful in changing dogs, and entry numbers between the different classes. Thank you Marilyn!

Marika Foreman has also been there for us helping whenever she could each moment of the week, just like family. Thank you Marika and congratulations to Bikfic’s two BOB wins!

Paul Foreman’s faithful photographing of the five days, provided all Pumi aficionados here in the U.S. and abroad a chance to sit at the virtual ringside and experience the shows each day.

Catskill Csobanka – the next generation

Happy Birthday Mr. President! Oops… correction, Happy Birthday Marilyn!

One of the nicest persons we got to know closer this week, was Aida Dungan who won BOB of The Eukanuba National” with her Pumi, Pushkin on Sunday. She is funny, pleasant and always cheerful. Hope to see you soon Aida.

I cancelled Direct TV last year because I barely watched it. Staying in Orlando, I could watch my favorite show again, put up by Nurse Jackie. Boy, I did miss her… Did I really…?

i canceled Direct TV so when I go to dog shows I am always happy to see this character.

I canceled Direct TV, so when I go to dog shows It always cracks me up to watch this character.

Next year this time, the Pumi will already be part of the AKC “major league,” in the herding group. Hopefully it will be judged accordingly.

Sprrring…

April 3, 2014

not this green and not this tall but trust me it is growing...

Ok, not this green and not this tall but it is our grass and is growing…

Winter has come and gone… ok, let’s admit it has stayed longer than we expected… But finally, winter is history. Spring is here, the sun is out, temperature is up and one can not only watch but also can see the grass growing.

The Pumis were in high gear today. We went for a hike up in the woods, where they were zipping by with ultra high shutter speed so my phone could not record anything meaningful or enjoyable.

hoof trimming a real dog delicacy. (the proof is in the hoof trimming...)

hoof trimming is a real dog delicacy. (don’t believe it? the proof is in the hoof trimming…)

In the afternoon the farrier stopped by to take care of our horses’ hooves. The trimmed pieces were high prized delicacy for the Pumis. The day went by fast with

High spirited Pumi wrestling in front of the judge – Today everyone went nuts…

increased intensity and in real Pumi spirit.

I think even the pups crowld around with greater than usual exuberance…

What Is Your Name?

They have been steadily gaining weight and getting stronger

April 1, 2014

We have had a glorious sunny day today. The pups have delivered the long awaited spring to the Catskills, upstate NY. They are healthy, big and growing like mushrooms. Each dog is gaining weight by the minute. Their weights range between 11.95oz. – 14.85oz. this morning. We can hear them growing during the night.

Poor Csibesz wearing his Radar dish after his payload has surgically been removed by Dr Evans

Poor Csibesz wearing his Radar dish after his payload has surgically been reduced by Dr Evans

We had a full-time Pumi day today. Laszlo has picked up Catskill Csibesz, Marika and Paul Foreman’s Pumi,

Dewclaws have been removed and nail polish applied

from N,J last night for a quick veterinary outpatient visit. He was neutered up here by our wonderful local vet, Dr. Evans. We offer these types of services to super nice friends and clients. In the same time, we also took the pups for a quick pedicure. Their dewclaws have been removed. Fruska was shaking during the whole procedure and I think, she was ready to eat the veterinary staff.

Mirror mirror on the wall,

By the time,we got home from the vet office, Catskill Apacatancos Anka’s Best of Miscellaneous photo also arrived in the mail.

Finally, around 4PM we could sit down and name the pups. (I have searched the names for weeks and weeks before the final selection.)

The girls: My dream girl, the white female Pumi, is named, “Catskill Becsi Barsony.” “Catskill Viennese Velvet”

The second female is named “Catskill Bazsalygos Borsika,” “Spicewoman with a Cunning Smile” (watch out…!)

The boys: “Catskill Battyogo Bikfic,” “Shuffling Fool,” “Catskill Bunnyogo Bocs,” “Whining Snob,” “Catskill Bocskoros Baka,” “Infantriman in Mocasine,” “Catskill Buzgo Bokas,” “Busy Ankle Biter,” “Catskill Boros Betyar,” “Wine Loving Outlaw.”

We took a quick hike on the top in about 3″ of snow.

I am also happy to report that Fruska is in an amazing shape, recovering really fast. She has come with us for a quick hike to the top of the property yesterday and also this morning where we still has about 3″ of snow.

Sometimes I wonder, how we would spend our days without the Pumis…

In Search of Lost Time… ( Remembrance of Things Past)

March 28, 2014

Ugly day out there gray sky, wind, rain and sleet. We are under continuos hermetically sealed ice cover (the perfect illustration of my mood…)

Hard to see time passing…

Feels like time has stopped and we’ve entered into a vacuum. Fruska has turned into a giant whale floating around in the house and engaging in short plays with the other dogs. She eats fine and acts normal.

Yesterday, I traded some food with Joe. Got more chips, hummus, salsa, nuts, pineapple, avocados and other stuff just to be prepared for a few more days…